NAB 2015: Angénieux Wide Angle Anamorphic Zoom lens

Complementary to the Optimo 56-152mm A2S launched in 2013, the Optimo 30-72mm A2S is a second lens in the series of three planned. This launch represents a new step in Angénieux’s ongoing industry leadership in designing new optical technologies that enhance technique and creativity for cinemascope production.

Based on the optical design of the 2012 SOC and 2009 Academy of Motion Picture award winning Optimo 28-76mm and 15-40mm zoom lenses, the optical design of the Optimo A2S lenses weaves in cylindrical and spherical optical elements in the rear group in order to achieve a 2x squeeze of the image on the horizontal axis. This unique design technique yields significantly superior optical performance over spherical lenses that are adapted for cinemascope production with rear anamorphic attachment. Additionally, the design allows the two zoom lenses to remain extremely compact and light weight. The Optimo 56-152 A2S and Optimo 30-72 A2S are the smallest ever anamorphic zooms with 2x squeeze. With the Optimo 56-152mm and 30-72mm A2S, cinematographers can now achieve, in a larger range of focal length ( 30-152), a new level of performance and freedom of movement ( perfect for handheld or Steadicam works) while shooting in anamorphic format. They are the first true handheld anamorphic zoom lenses with the best weight, size, aperture and image flatness.

“Our development teams made an excellent job and Angenieux is very proud to propose cinematographers these two anamorphic zoom lenses. We hope we will facilitate their production in scope format. First deliveries of the Optimo 30-72 A2S are confirmed for July 2015. A third Anamorphic lens will come to complete the Series. “ said Dominique Rouchon, Sales and Marketing Director, Thales Angénieux

With 2x squeeze, a fast aperture of T:4, the Optimo 56-152mm 2S and 30-72mm A2S deliver exceptional optical performance at the same level of excellence as the worldwide renown Optimo Series. They deliver exceptional sharpness, controlled flare, minimal breathing and very low distorsion on all focal lengths and at all focus. With an exceptional 2 feet 2 / 0.65mm close focus for 2x anamorphic, they offer the best for anamorphic pictures. Their zoom ratios are perfect for framing without the need to move the camera or swap the lens constantly. Both zooms are extremely compact and lightweight (4.8lbs/2.2kg and 5.3lbs/2.4kg).

Optimo Anamorphic zooms are PL mount lenses with a PV mount available on request. Their unique mount design allows a quick swap between PL and PV mounts.They can be used with the Angénieux lens servo motorization system – ASU (Angenieux Servo Unit).

The Optimo 30-72 2S is also compatible with 2x and 1.4x extenders whereas the WA 0.75X can be mounted on the Optimo 56-152 2S.With a global focal range of 30 -152mm, they can come in place of several anamorphic primes at a fraction of a cost.

The Optimo 56-152 A2S and Optimo 30-72 A2S have already been used in a large number of feature films, TV series, and commercial productions including:

Thales Angénieux, a Thales subsidiary, is a world-renowned manufacturer of high-tech optical and optronic systems. Awarded three times by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1964, 1989 and 2008, and by the Society of Camera Operators in 2012, Angenieux lenses are utilized all around the world by the most demanding image professionals for the production of features, commercials, dramas, documentaries, music videos, sports or cultural event recordings in live 3D or 4K and beyond. Thales Angénieux is also the European leader for night vision equipments.